Welcome to my site!
This site has been a long time in the making and I’m really pleased to present it as a collection of experiences and projects over the course of several years in Boston and in the few short years since returning to the San Francisco Bay Area. After my time at the Berklee College of Music and upon finishing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the New England Conservatory, I spent several years recording and playing throughout New England and the east coast. I had the great experience of studying, for many years, with the internationally renowned jazz educator Charlie Banacos– who no longer graces us with his presence– and with highly informative musicians like pianist Bevan Manson, composer George Russell, pianist Michael Marra, tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, drummer Bob Moses, clarinetist Jimmy Giufree, bassist John Lockwood and bassist Cecil McBee.
I’ve made my creative living playing Jazz, Blues, Latin, Brazilian and Soul music for the past twenty five years. My performances range from playing solo piano to large ensembles. I perform often with my trio and I freelance quite a bit in the trio, quartet, and quintet settings. I have accompanied and encouraged many Jazz, Blues and Cabaret vocalists over the years. I have developed a wide set of skills and enjoy the variety of performance opportunities that often come my way.
I have shared the stage or recording studio with James Montgomery, Johnny Adams, Jimmy Giuffre, Luciana Souza, Duke Robillard, actor/singer Jim Belushi, Tanya Donelly, Michelle Willson, Vinx, George Russell, ,The Holms Brothers, Claudio Ragazzi, David LaFlamme, The Part Time Lovers, Van Walls, Bob Moses, Alex Alvear, Thomas, Hebb, John Calloway, Benny Sharoni, Aquilles Baez, John Ramsay, Bruce Gerts, John Lockwood, Ana Norgaard, Ted Casher, Bob Gullotti, Gifrants, Mike Duke, Vince Lateano, Chris Amberger, Al Molina, Akira Tana, Art Lewis, Cliff Hugo, Kendrick Freeman, Rob Roth, Michael Aragon, George Marsh, Jeff Oster, James Moseley, Shea Breaux Wells. He has performed throughout the US, Brazil and Europe.
I have performed throughout the US, Brazil and Europe.
I’m am currently available for performances, tours, recording projects, film scoring, clinics, private instruction, as well as private and corporate events.
News and Recent Projects
I’ve been working in the Bay Area on several projects with a whole bunch of great musicians:
I’ll be performing with Tammy Hall, James Moseley, and Kathryn Kanaya at a special benefit at the Seahorse in Sausalito to raise money for Rocky Barrios and Ken Viale’s son Vinnie who recently underwent complicated and long recovery heart surgery.
My Trio –Ken Cook Trio — can be seen twice a month at Osteria Divino in Sausalito. Look for dates on my Gigs page.
The trio just returned from Tahoe completing a few performances and clinics with the fantastic kids at North Tahoe High school, North Tahoe Middle school, Truckee High School and Middle School. Doug and Alex and I had a great time working with all four of the incredibly hard working directors. We applaud the work that they’ve done.
I’ve been recently working on a very exciting project with the very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Elaine Lucia. Her writing is very contemplative and earthy and she has an extraordinary voice. We’ve assembled a band that includes drummer Alex Aspinall, guitarist Jean-Michel Hurey, Jason Carr on bass, myself on keys and organ. Our first performance is in the private back room at Osteria Divino. Call for tickets now. Seating is limited. Call now!!! THIS SHOW WILL BE SOLD OUT
I’ve started working on a quartet recording with modern guitarist Bruce MacLeod. He is very heavily influeneced by guitarists Pat Metheney and John Abercrombie and has written a large body of work that we’re in the process of rehearsing and recording. Drummer (and recording engineer) Jimmy Hobson and bassist Doug Miller round out the group.
Long time Marin County based drummer Michael Aragon and I have a project with Soul/Jazz singer Chris Saunders and are featured every third Saturday of the month at the No Name in Sausalito.
I worked with filmmaker and director Jamie Redford this past year scoring music for his short film “Quality Time”.
Guitarist John Cross is working on a new project and we’ve been tracking up at The Site Recording Studio out in Lucas Valley with the Grammy winner, recording engineer Stephen Hart. Bassist John Garnache (Jefferson Starship, Clarence Clemens, Bob Dylan) and drummer Kevin Hayes (Robert Cray, Bonnie Hayes) were also on the date.
I’ve been working on a duo project with the exellent guitarist Erik Linquist and we’re hoping to go into the studio sometime this summer.
Bassist Cliff Hugo (Ray Charles, Supertramp, Melissa Ethrige) and I play duo at the Hotel Healdsburg once a month.
Catch me with the John Kalleen Quartet every first Friday of the month at the Cliff House in San Francisco.
Guitarist Michael LaMacchia puts a great band together that often plays at the No Name and Sea Horse with several singers and I’m always happy to be included in that.